What Seeds Are You Planting?

When I think of nature, I’m amazed at all the beauty around us. The trees, flowers and all manner of plant life. How does the world get so populated with such beauty? Well, as we know, the winds pick up seeds from these plants, blow them around and then they get replanted in another spot on our earth.

As I think about this cycle and process, I’m reminded of how this is true with all of us. We are out there spreading the seeds of our deeds, thoughts and actions. What seeds are you planting? Are your deeds helpful, loving and kind or are they destructive, disruptive and selfish? Are your thoughts pure and helpful or are they self-centered and self-righteous?

No matter what, we are always planting seeds, good or bad. What kinds of seeds are people taking away when they are near you? Do they get depressed, angry and hurt or do they get inspired, motivated and feel loved? If you just take a little time to think about how others see you and your behavior, it can really shed light on who you truly want to be. Sometimes we may not even know what we are planting. We don’t have the intent to harm anyone. You may need to do some real soul-searching to find out what you are spreading around. If you find that you are being destructive, mean, selfish or just plain nasty to those you come in contact with, there are things you can do to change your behavior.

You must recognize the behavior which is prohibiting you from being the person you want to be.

You must then be determined to change the behavior and make the commitment to do what it takes to change.

You must take action to change the behavior. You could read self-help books, join a group for your undesired behavior, talk with someone who understands and do some real soul searching. This is very hard and requires real commitment and determination. Replace the negative behaviors with something more desirable. For instance, if you call people names all the time, next time you get the urge, say something kind to the person instead.

You must stay away from temptations which will keep you from changing the behavior. If you don’t, you won’t be able to maintain your improved and better self.

Forgive yourself for the negative behavior. Yes, we all have slip ups. It doesn’t mean that we can’t continue to strive for what we truly want. Forgive yourself and then get back on track.

You can do anything you set your mind to. Don’t ever forget that! Remember that others are watching you. Your children, co-workers, family and your friends see what you do. What seeds are you wanting to plant? How do you want them to see you? Do you want to make this world a more beautiful place by being the person you truly want to be?

Ask yourself, what are you doing to plant seeds that will make this world a more beautiful place for humanity?

8 Ways to Combat Loneliness

So many of us feel lonely from time to time, even if there are people around us. Studies show that more that 60% of married people feel lonely. Couples can become disconnected and distorted views can start to take shape which perpetuates the loneliness situation. Then there are those that feel that loneliness has taken ahold of their entire life. It is important to distinguish if your loneliness is a chronic problem or a temporary situation. How does one go about doing this?

In everyone’s life there are periods of loneliness. Because loneliness is when you’re unhappy to be alone, some people end up in a downward spiral when their strong feelings of loneliness won’t subside. Sometimes our own thoughts make us feel even lonelier. We may feel like others don’t like us or want to be around us, when that’s not the case. This can lead to Chronic Loneliness, anxiety and even depression. Studies show that chronic loneliness creates more stress, increases blood pressure and cholesterol and increases our risk of an early death by 14%.

Being alone is not the same as being lonely. A lot of people choose to be alone, but are not always lonely. They enjoy their lives, but even they can have some bouts with loneliness from time to time.

Loneliness is a feeling. If you don’t like the feeling, you must take action to change the situation that’s perpetuating the feeling. The following are some tips to encourage you to take action.

Realize you’re not alone.

In two recent surveys, 40% of adults said they were lonely which is up from 20% in the 1980’s. There is an alarming amount of people all over the world who are lonely. You are not alone.

Experiment with things or groups.

Some of us don’t like to exercise, but those that keep a schedule to do it and dedicate themselves, find that after they do, they feel better and healthier. This brings me to the next suggestion. Go find places to socially connect which you would find enjoyable. Maybe you could join a gym, a meditation class, a sports group, a religious organization, or a pottery class. Think about your interests and make a commitment to yourself to show up and participate. You may have to try different groups before one feels right for you, but when you get to it, you’ll feel better and less lonely.

Get involved in volunteer opportunities.

When people are thinking of others and doing something good for someone else, they feel a sense peace. Volunteering is a great way to step out of your feelings of loneliness because you can refocus your energy on others that truly need your help. And who knows, you may just make some great, lasting relationships!

Get in tuned with yourself.

If you enjoy being around yourself, you’ll have a greater sense of self and be happier. You’ll be able to recognize feelings of loneliness much quicker, before it has time to sabotage your day. You could write in a gratitude journal, go out to eat, see a movie or even go for a run. If you don’t know who you are, find ways to connect with yourself. Once you connect to you, making connections with others is much easier.

Put down the devices!

For some, this is the only way they are willing to communicate with others. If you took time to put down all the devices, you’d be more likely to make in-person, human connections. I’m not saying throw everything out. I’m saying, there is a time and place for all things. If you are longing for in person, human connections you may want to put down your cell phone and other devices. Back in the sixties, families and friends used to spend time at picnics, parks and throwing ball in the backyard. “Families have 60 percent fewer family picnics and 40 percent fewer family dinners since the 1960’s” according to spectator.org. It’s okay to put down all the electronic devices on occasion in order to spend time and create relationships with those around you.

Identify the triggers that make you lonely and have a plan.

Sentimental items, pictures, songs and other items can play a huge part in our feelings of loneliness. It is okay to put things away temporarily, so you’re able to function better day to day. Some items you store away, may bring you feelings of guilt, but remember it’s not forever. It’s only so you are able to collect and deal with your thoughts and feelings and at some point you can take the items out again.

You also need a plan. If you’re aware that the lonely bug bites you now and then, have a plan! Maybe you could call a special person in your life, have a hobby, or maybe you could knit. Whatever it is you choose, keep the thought handy so if you need it, you can use it when the lonely feelings creep up on you.

Use your time.

So many people wish they had some solitude. Solitude is when you’re happy to be alone. Use your time to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Maybe you’ve wanted to write a children’s book, learn how to work on cars or maybe you’ve always wanted to finish college. Use your time to do something that you’ve always wanted to do or that would benefit you and your life.

Let go of the toxic people in your life.

There is only one you! Make sure you take care of yourself. No one else is responsible for taking care of you. There are those out there that may bring poison to your life. You’ll have to recognize who those people are for you and let them go. Of course, this is easier said than done in most cases. This requires real soul searching about what you want and need to be emotionally healthy.

Loneliness can be emotionally paralyzing in many cases. If you feel you can’t get a handle on it, please see a professional for further evaluation.

I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at www.samanthabonnell.com. I’d be happy to speak with you.

Scars Mean You Survived!

Do you have scars? Are you feeling self-conscious of them? I understand where you’re coming from. A while ago I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Of course the thyroid needed to come out, but I knew it would leave a scar right on my neck. At the time, I was so worried about what other people would think. Would they stare at it? Would they ask me lots of questions? I had so many questions!

The day of surgery came and went. I took care of my scar as my doctor instructed me to do. I saw it every day, wondering if it would get any better. I was always hiding the scar under a scarf of some sort. I like scarves, but when it is 90 degrees outside in the Texas heat, it was so difficult to wear one. I was VERY aware of my scar, all of the time!

One day I woke up, saw my scar and felt awful! I wanted to cry. I started looking up quotes. I came across a quote that said, “Scars mean you survived!” It threw me back! How could I be so petty about my looks, I thought! I SURVIVED CANCER! To this day, I look at my scar differently. I am proud of my scar! I know that may sound odd, but I am! I survived something that not everyone is able to. I feel so blessed.

I now wear my scar as a testament and badge of my courage that I went through a very difficult situation. A potentially life threatening situation! I survived it! I SURVIVED IT!

If you are having a hard time coming to grips with your scar, remember it only makes you more beautiful because you have gotten through something that was very difficult. Wear your scar as your badge of courage….be proud of it! You are so amazing to have WON your battle!

The Most Important Appointment You’ll Ever Make

The hustle and bustle of everyday life can get exhausting and drain all the energy right out of us! Sometimes it can be downright debilitating! We have so many responsibilities pulling us in every direction. From our family life, social life, work, home repairs, doctor’s appointments, vet appointments, school and sporting activities, (do you catch my drift yet?) we feel like we just don’t have enough time to do it all!

There may be one appointment that you are forgetting to add to your schedule. It’s the most important of them all! Make an appointment with YOURSELF! This may sound a bit silly, but it is the most important appointment you’ll ever make! Remember, you are just as important as everyone else in your life. Don’t feel guilty about taking the time you need to bring yourself more peace.

Studies have shown that people who take the time to do something they enjoy, (exercising, meditation, reading, hobbies, ect) experience less stress, worry, anxiety and fatigue. Why do you think this is?

When you are able to rest your mind from all these stresses in your daily life, you are able to recharge your mind, body and spirit. Once you recharge yourself, just like batteries, you’ll be able to have new clarity for your tasks and goals and you’ll be able to refocus your energy where it is needed the most.

Clarity and calmness are both very important to keep stress down. A lot of times, stress comes when we feel overwhelmed and then we may get confused about things in our lives. By making an appointment everyday with yourself, you can gain this calmness and clarity.

Make a goal today to add YOU to your schedule! Don’t cancel your appointment! Even if it can only be ten minutes, that’s ten minutes you didn’t spend for yourself before. You will start looking forward to your most important appointment of the day!

What Was She Missing?

Okay y’all, I was in the dental office waiting for my daughters appointment to be over, when I found myself glued to the TV. First of all, I want to say, I don’t watch television very often, but somehow this caught my attention. There was a talk show on, telling the story of a woman who had three grown children, several grandchildren and a couple of great grandchildren. This woman helped raise and take care of all of these family members at one time or another. She was always selflessly giving of herself over the years. I was intrigued at all she had done and accomplished during her life. She seemed intelligent, loving, generous, kind and generally happy. But there was something missing. What was it?

They did a makeover on her and when she came out onto the stage, she was dancing and singing! She was overjoyed! Then, they showed her a mirror! She started to cry. How beautiful and grateful she was! It was like she was REALLY looking at herself for the first time in years!

This impressed me so much because of how much she gave of herself over the years and unfortunately somewhat lost herself. She stopped taking care of herself and focused so much on all of the people she loved. It is so noble to help take care of others, but we need to remember to take care of ourselves also! It isn’t selfish to take care of yourself. It is actually showing even more love to those around you! When you spend time to take care of yourself, you are nourishing your mind, body and soul.

I ask you again, what was she missing? She was missing the woman she had been with her whole life, but hadn’t seen in years…herself.

Don’t Let Your Past Ruin Your Present

Imagine for a moment, you are driving a race car, going superfast around a track. As you zoom around and around, your eyes are fixed to the road ahead. You feel a little nudge from behind you, yet your eyes stay fixed on the road. The nudge gets stronger and stronger. It’s starting to make you feel uncomfortable, but you know if you look back you’re going to crash.

I’d like to compare this to those nagging feelings you get when your negative past tries to manifest itself in your present. If you’ve already dealt emotionally with whatever issues you had from your past and you’ve made the commitment to move past them, then don’t look back. All that will happen is your race car will crash and burn.

Keep your eyes on the road ahead. Even if you look back for a moment it will disrupt your life and those around you. By keeping your focus on your present and your future, you can improve your circumstances. You’ve already dealt with your feelings from the past. Deal with what comes to you now. You are in control of the wheel! But whatever you do, don’t let the negative feeling from your past become a part of your present or future.